Junaid Akbar Struggles to Unite PTI KP Amid Growing Internal Divisions

Peshawar:Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa President Junaid Akbar Khan, who assumed the role with a promise to unite the party and launch a vigorous campaign for the release of party leader Imran Khan, has faced significant challenges in fulfilling these expectations. Despite his initial bold statements and plans to mobilize protests across the province, PTI KP’s leadership remains fractured, and internal divisions are hindering the effectiveness of their movement.

Junaid Akbar’s first major test came when he organized a rally in Swabi, a crucial political event meant to display his leadership strength. However, internal reports suggest that the rally saw little interest from elected representatives, with many local leaders failing to engage workers and bring them to the venue. This reflects a growing sense of organizational weakness and lack of confidence in the leadership.

Some sources close to the party also indicated that Junaid Akbar has faced resistance from influential factions within PTI KP, particularly the group led by Ali Amin Gandapur, who continues to hold substantial sway in the region. Ali Amin’s group reportedly hasn’t been supportive of Akbar’s leadership, further undermining his authority.

While Junaid Akbar initially declared an ambitious plan to block major highways in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and lead a nationwide protest for Imran Khan’s release, his actions have not matched these grand statements. In private meetings and corner sessions, he continues to echo these promises, but his efforts remain largely inactive.

**Analysts’ Viewpoint:**
Senior political analyst Ali Akbar, based in Peshawar, suggested that Junaid Akbar’s leadership is weak, with the real power remaining in the hands of Ali Amin Gandapur. “While Junaid Akbar is the president, the real influence and authority in PTI KP lie with Ali Amin Gandapur,” said Ali Akbar. “Gandapur’s position as Chief Minister allows him to maintain strong ties with influential circles, and he can sway decisions more effectively than Junaid Akbar. Unless this power imbalance is addressed, PTI KP will continue to struggle in its efforts.”

Ali Akbar also pointed out that the PTI KP workers are ready for action, but they lack the necessary leadership to organize and execute the planned protests effectively.

**PTI KP’s Ongoing Struggle for Unity**
Meanwhile, PTI KP is still attempting to build momentum for the protests. Recently, Junaid Akbar and other provincial leaders gathered outside the Election Commission office in Peshawar, demanding the release of Imran Khan. Despite this show of solidarity, the lack of organization and internal coherence is evident.

**Preparation for Protests:**
General Secretary of PTI KP, Ali Asghar, confirmed that the provincial party is ready to launch its protest campaign but is awaiting approval from the central party leadership. “We are fully prepared at the provincial level,” Ali Asghar told V News. “The people, workers, and elected representatives are ready, but we need the green signal from the central leadership. Once we get approval, we are prepared to give our all for Imran Khan’s release.”

Asghar emphasized that while the provincial leadership is united in its mission, the final decision lies with the central committee. “We are committed to working with a well-thought-out strategy when the time comes,” he added.

The political future of PTI KP, under the leadership of Junaid Akbar, will likely depend on whether internal differences are resolved and a more cohesive, focused effort can be made to rally support for the cause.

—

Would you like me to refine any part of this for a more specific audience or platform?